Coat

Norman Norell (American, 1900-1972)

Beautifully conceived and well-constructed coats were important and reoccurring in Norell’s work. One of Norell’s classic looks is the cape-collared coat. As was typical of late 1960s styles, the oversized collar resembles a capelet. The shape of the coat follows the contour of the body and calls attention to the upper part of the torso, which is gracefully rounded to stand away from the neck—a feature that became a hallmark of his designs.

purchased at L.S.Ayres department store, Indianapolis early 1950s; Mrs. John Miklozek, Terre Haute, Indiana; given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art (1980).